Greece Cruising (Classical Greece)

Days

8

Price from

CHF 2,720

These are the islands of the gods, and this is a heavenly 8-day small ship adventure cruise through the Aegean Sea and Sea of Crete

Explore the ancient wonders of Greece on this illuminating voyage of discovery. Aboard the state-of-the-art mega yacht Harmony G, take a cruising adventure in style to islands including Mykonos, Crete, Kythira and Hydra. Watch this world of volcanic islands, white house-dotted cliffs, and sparkling blue water float by. From Athens, discover the cosmopolitan lifestyle of Mykonos, experience the stunning natural drama of the caldera of Santorini, and sample local delicacies on Crete. Slip into the waters surrounding the perfect Greek islands of Kythira and Hydra. Navigate the ancient architecture of the fortified town of Monemvassia. Explore lands that host stories of some of the most familiar names in ancient Greek history. For sun on secluded beaches, a glimpse into the past, and an abundance of natural beauty, this best adventure cruise.

Greece Cruising (Classical Greece)

These are the islands of the gods, and this is a heavenly 8-day small ship adventure cruise through the Aegean Sea and Sea of Crete

Explore the ancient wonders of Greece on this illuminating voyage of discovery. Aboard the state-of-the-art mega yacht Harmony G, take a cruising adventure in style to islands including Mykonos, Crete, Kythira and Hydra. Watch this world of volcanic islands, white house-dotted cliffs, and sparkling blue water float by. From Athens, discover the cosmopolitan lifestyle of Mykonos, experience the stunning natural drama of the caldera of Santorini, and sample local delicacies on Crete. Slip into the waters surrounding the perfect Greek islands of Kythira and Hydra. Navigate the ancient architecture of the fortified town of Monemvassia. Explore lands that host stories of some of the most familiar names in ancient Greek history. For sun on secluded beaches, a glimpse into the past, and an abundance of natural beauty, this best adventure cruise.

Why you'll love this trip

This is our most balanced and comprehensive Greece itinerary: a few handpicked highlights on the mainland, plus the best of the Cyclades and Crete.

You get to visit the sacred island of Delos for a half-day tour with a resident expert. It’s one of the most significant archaeological sites in all of antiquity.

This cruise ticks off the Greek Islands’ classic highlights (Mykonos, Santorini etc) but also visits some up-and-coming gems like Kythira and Monemvasia, a gorgeous fortified town.

Unlike mega liners, which have to moor offshore, The Harmony G can dock right in the centre of town. In places like Nafplion and Kea, you take one step off the gangplank and you’re surrounded by bars, markets and restaurants. You can hop on and off the boat as you please.

Is this trip right for you?

This is a small ship adventure cruise, which means you’ll be sailing on a yacht with between 30 – 50 other people. The boat is spacious and comfortable, but it focuses more on the destination than on-board activities. Instead of a pool, we have the sea itself. Instead of a casino, we’ve got board games and a good book. There’s also no formal dress code to worry about. Wifi is available for a small charge.

Our ship moves under engine power, rather than sailing, so all cabins will experience light engine noise when the ship is moving (and occasionally when we drop anchor). It’s probably worth packing earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.

Onshore activities and excursions will involve a bit of walking. You’ll be visiting ancient sites and historical places, and at times you may have to cross cobbled streets and uneven ground, sometimes in hot conditions. If you have any concerns, please speak to your group leader before taking part.

If you’re concerned about seasickness, there are seasickness tablets on-board. The ship will experience some roll and pitch in choppy conditions, however all of our ships come equipped with stabilisers to minimise movement. Most of our departures run in peak season, when the seas are calmer. Your crew do all they can to minimise any discomfort.

There are no lifts (elevators) on-board our ships, so you’ll have to navigate a few steep flights of stairs on-board. Handrails are always available.

Gallery

Boats

Callisto

Harmony V

Itinerary

Embarkation will take place between 2 and 3 PM. Enjoy a welcome drink and meet your crew and fellow passengers before we set sail for Kea. Time at leisure to explore Kea's tiny port after dinner. We will depart there in the early hours for Delos. Overnight at sea

Accommodation

M/Y Harmony G (1 night)

Meals Included

Take an optional morning tour to the archaeological site of Delos, antiquity's most sacred island. In antiquity, Delos was considered to be the spiritual and commercial centre of the Aegean. After a short tender ride disembark on the island and gather for an introduction before proceeding with your lecturer guide on a unique walk through the original streets of the site’s best preserved quarters. There you will see Hellenistic houses with beautiful mosaics in amazingly good condition, further along you will come to the Sanctuary, where you can see the ruins of a temple dedicated to Apollo – Delos being Apollo’s mythological birthplace. While over the Sacred Way you will see the famous five 7th century B.C. marble lions, guardians of the Sacred Lake. On to the Theatre and the Roman quarter, where you will find ancient statues dedicated to Dionysus and optionally visit the museum with its interesting exhibits.
On to the port of Mykonos, with a swim stop on the way. A free afternoon and evening to enjoy the island's cosmopolitan lifestyle. Overnight in Mykonos.

Accommodation

M/Y Harmony G (1 night)

Meals Included

We will arrive around noon in Santorini (anchorage at Fira). Experience the stunning natural drama of the volcanic caldera.
Our optional tour will have you disembark by tender and board the cable car to reach the island’s capital Fira for a guided walk through the narrow pedestrian streets. Board the bus for a pleasant drive through the countryside passing the village of Pyrgos to the famous archaeological site of Akrotiri. If Santorini is known as the Greek Pompeii it is because of ancient Akrotiri. Excavations uncovered an ancient town frozen in time by ash from an eruption some 3.600 years ago. Remains of sophisticated buildings with great frescoes and other constructions are evidence of an elaborate lifestyle.
Continue by bus to the northern coast admiring views of land, sea and skies to reach Oia, the most picturesque village of Santorini with its magical views over the Caldera. Our local guide will take you to the most photographed blue domes, to insight spots and will give you hints for your time at leisure. A short drive will bring you back to Fira.
After reboarding, we sail overnight to Crete.

Accommodation

M/Y Harmony G (1 night)

Meals Included

We arrive in the morning at Crete's famous and lively port or Rethymnon. Take an optional tour to the ancient city of Knossos near Heraklion. After about an hour’s drive eastwards along the coast through areas where Cretan wines grow we arrive at the Prehistoric (2000BC) Minoan Palace of Knossos. Located in a uniquely quaint scenery, the palace is a monumental symbol of Minoan Civilization due to its impressive size and construction and has been excavated and partially restored in the early 20th century by the great English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans. Was it the palace of mythical King Minos bearing the labyrinth , where the fearsome Minotaur was said to have lurked?
After our detailed visit we will proceed by bus to Heraklion to sample healthy local delicacies and have some free time before returning to Rethymnon.
After reboarding, we will depart for Kythira. Overnight at sea.

Accommodation

M/Y Harmony G (1 night)

Meals Included

We stop enroute to Kythira for a late morning swim stop. Kythira, a less known island gem, is now fast becoming a favourite among visitors to Greece. We have the evening at leisure to visit the picturesque main town of Chora and experience the subdued charms of this peaceful island. Overnight in Kythira.

Accommodation

M/Y Harmony G (1 night)

Meals Included

We depart early to sail to Monemvassia. Discover a remarkable medieval fortified town, with time at leisure to explore the uniquely preserved Byzantine and Venetian architecture and experience the beauty of the natural setting. Depart for Nafplion in the early afternoon, with a swim stop on the way. Evening arrival at Nafplion. The old quarter is charming, with narrow streets and characteristic period architecture. Also, impressive medieval fortifications can be seen in the port and crowning the hills above. Overnight in Nafplion.

Accommodation

M/Y Harmony G (1 night)

Meals Included

Today, take an optional tour to Mycenae. A short drive through the fertile countryside of Argolis takes us to the ancient city of Mycenae, home to the kingdom of mythical Agamemnon.
The importance of the city, which Homer calls “rich in gold” begins in 1650 B.C and ceases around 1100 B.C with the fall of the civilization to which it gives name. Visit the remains of the glorious city including the Lion’s Gate, the Palace and the tomb of Agamemnon .
Mycenae in legend was the royal seat of the ill-fated House of Atreus, and from Mycenae Agamemnon, “king of men”, went off as the leader of the Achaean expedition to war against Troy.
Early afternoon departure for the islands of Hydra. Time at leisure to explore this picturesque port town. Overnight in port.

Accommodation

M/Y Harmony G (1 night)

Meals Included

We depart in the early hours to head back to Athens. Disembarkation will take place after breakfast this morning. Make your way to the airport for your onward travels or stay on in Athens and soak up the ancient atmosphere of the city.

Meals Included

Breakfast

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts,
4 lunches,
3 dinners

Transport

Small Cruise Ship

Accommodation

Small Cruise Ship 7 nights

Meals

7 breakfasts,
4 lunches,
3 dinners

Transport

Small Cruise Ship

Accommodation

Small Cruise Ship 7 nights

Days

8

Price from

CHF 2,720

These are the islands of the gods, and this is a heavenly 8-day small ship adventure cruise through the Aegean Sea and Sea of Crete

Explore the ancient wonders of Greece on this illuminating voyage of discovery. Aboard the state-of-the-art mega yacht Harmony G, take a cruising adventure in style to islands including Mykonos, Crete, Kythira and Hydra. Watch this world of volcanic islands, white house-dotted cliffs, and sparkling blue water float by. From Athens, discover the cosmopolitan lifestyle of Mykonos, experience the stunning natural drama of the caldera of Santorini, and sample local delicacies on Crete. Slip into the waters surrounding the perfect Greek islands of Kythira and Hydra. Navigate the ancient architecture of the fortified town of Monemvassia. Explore lands that host stories of some of the most familiar names in ancient Greek history. For sun on secluded beaches, a glimpse into the past, and an abundance of natural beauty, this best adventure cruise.

Next trip departures

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Important notes

Your voyage is operated by our partner company, Variety Cruises.
SHORE EXCURSIONS
On this itinerary, shore excursions are optional and are paid on board the ship in Euro’s. The price and a description of these excursions are listed in the day to day itinerary.
2018 departures - Please note that the excursions and excursion prices for 2018 departures are yet to be confirmed and may change.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
Adventure Cruising trips have a deposit of A$600 per person (different amounts apply in other currencies) and the balance is due 90 days before departure.
If a booking is cancelled 90 days or more before departure - the cancellation fee is the full loss of the deposit paid.
If a booking is cancelled between 89 and 31 days before departure - the cancellation fee is 50% of the total booking cost, or the deposit, whichever is greater.
if a booking is cancelled 30 days or less prior to departure - the cancellation fee is 100% of the total price of the voyage.
Other fees may apply for air tickets and other arrangements booked in conjunction with a voyage.
SINGLE TRAVELLERS
It is not possible to share with a stranger on a Variety Cruises voyage and single travellers must pay the Single Occupancy rate.
MINIMUM AGE
Children from the age of 7 can be accommodated on these voyages. Each boat has one cabin category that will accommodate a 3rd person allowing for triple sharing. Any child under the age of 18 must share with an adult.

Essential trip information

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